#15 Lawrence Ellison

Country Of Citizenship: United StatesResidence: Silicon Valley, California, United States, North AmericaIndustry: SoftwareMarital Status: married, 2 children

University of Illinois, Drop Out

Brash software executive holds Darwinian view of his industry, believes that fewer companies peddling software will be better for business. In the past year and a half made 9 acquisitions totaling some $17 billion, including $5.9 billion for Siebel Systems, $10.6 billion for PeopleSoft. "I don't think you'll see another major acquisition anytime soon." Already strong in database management software, the newly combined companies make Oracle the dominant player in customer relationship management applications. Addition of boutique software shops I-flex and ProfitLogic moves Oracle into retail and banking. So-called project Fusion, blending Oracle's database technology with PeopleSoft's business wares expected in 2008. Chicago native cofounded database software firm in 1977, took public in 1986, a day before Microsoft. Maintained rabid rivalry ever since. Also competitive on the high seas: BMW Oracle Racing team aiming to win America's Cup in 2007.